Keating seeks expansion of Gold Star benefits

Friday

Jun 6, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Only spouses and children of service members who "make the ultimate sacrifice"...

Patriot Staff

Only spouses and children of service members who “make the ultimate sacrifice” are eligible for retail and commissary benefits, but the Gold Star Families Equality Act would expand the circle to the surviving parents of men and women who have died while on active or reserve duty.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, with the endorsement of AMVETS.

Last week, Keating’s added provision to the reauthorization of intelligence funding passed the House, the only bipartisan amendment considered, according to a press statement from his office.

Under the provision, the FBI, Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence will survey memoranda of understanding between agencies to ensure that “pertinent threat information” flows freely among agencies.